Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Ecological Building Systems announce exclusive partnership

EcoCocon and Ecological Building Systems announce exclusive partnership to expand straw panel construction in the UK & Ireland

In a significant move for sustainable construction, EcoCocon, a leading European manufacturer of prefabricated straw wall panels, has entered into an exclusive partnership with Ecological Building Systems, a well-established distributor of sustainable building materials in the UK and Ireland.

The partnership will make EcoCocon’s innovative straw-based wall system more accessible to professionals across the UK and Irish construction markets — combining bio-based innovation with localised technical expertise.

EcoCocon’s modular wall panels are made primarily from compressed straw and timber, offering Passive House-level thermal performance while significantly reducing embodied carbon. The system is robotically manufactured in Europe to ensure precision, consistency and scalability — making it a viable solution for both single-family homes and large-scale developments.

With the addition of EcoCocon to its portfolio, Ecological Building Systems will provide full distribution and technical support, including design consultation, detailing, training, and on-site assistance.

 

 

“We’re proud to partner with EcoCocon to bring this next-generation ecological wall system to our region,” said Penny Randell, UK Director and General Manager at Ecological Building Systems. “It aligns perfectly with our mission of supporting healthy, low-impact buildings through science-led guidance and proven building solutions.”

Adrian Crosson, Irish Director & General Manager at Ecological Building Systems, stated:

“From the beginning, Ecological has focused on low embodied carbon solutions that are durable, purpose-fit for the UK and Ireland, and supported by expert technical guidance from design through to construction. By combining EcoCocon straw wall panel systems with our trusted technical support, we’re making sustainable building more accessible and achievable than ever before.”

 

EcoCocon has been used in hundreds of projects across Europe, from schools and apartment buildings to custom homes and co-housing developments. The system is fully certified, supports circular construction, and is designed for fast on-site assembly, reducing build time and waste.

 

“This partnership marks a key step toward scaling up ecological construction,” adds Paul Lynch, International Sales & Network Manager at EcoCocon. “Our aim is to make sustainable, low-carbon buildings not only possible, but practical. With Ecological Building Systems, we have the right partner to support that journey in the UK and Ireland.”

The two companies emphasise that this collaboration is about more than materials — it’s about enabling the construction sector to meet the growing demand for climate-conscious, human-centric buildings.

For more information, click on the logo’s below to visit

 

 

 

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The lateral performance of modular buildings

 

The global demand for multi-storey steel-framed modular buildings is rapidly increasing, driving the development of post-tensioned inter-module connections that enhance factory prefabrication and minimize site work for rapid construction. However, the lateral performance of modular buildings with these connections has been inadequately assessed due to the lack of 2D models capable of simulating key failure modes, such as gap-opening and slip. This study proposes a simplified 2D finite element (FE) connection model to simulate these failure modes and evaluates the lateral performance of mid-rise modular buildings using an innovative bolt-free post-tensioned inter-module connection, termed the ‘AJ connection.’ Designed for easy assembly and disassembly, it facilitates fast construction and reusability. First, the developed 2D model is validated against a 3D connection model calibrated to experimental results, then applied to mid-rise moment-resisting frames (MRFs) composed of modules to assess their performance under design wind and seismic loads. Compared to MRFs featuring welded connections, MRFs with AJ connections demonstrate nearly equivalent performance under wind loads, but slightly inferior performance under earthquake loads. Nevertheless, they demonstrate excellent seismic performance by exhibiting strong-column-weak-beam behaviour, satisfying most FEMA 365 performance objectives. Moreover, using identical cross-sections for floor and ceiling beams improves the lateral stiffness, strength, and ductility, while reducing the required preload for the AJ connections, compared to using beams of different sizes.

 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL TECHNICAL REPORT

Source: Science Direct

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Green Light to Rail and Road Upgrades

 

  • 5 strategic road schemes and 5 key rail upgrades given government funding – supporting 42,000 jobs, paving the way for 1.5 million new homes as part of the Plan for Change, and rail enhancements will connect 50,000 more people to the rail network
  • backed by over £92 billion from the Spending Review settlement, the government is delivering the biggest boost to England’s transport infrastructure in a generation, and unlocking schemes that deliver for the taxpayer and drive growth
  • wave of projects set to ease congestion, cut journey times and bring greater access to jobs and opportunities, making working people better off

    Millions of commuters and businesses are set to benefit from quicker journeys, as more than 50 road and rail upgrades are given the green light – including the long awaited A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, the government has announced today (8 July 2025).

    Working people will also gain better access to jobs and housing through these schemes, helping deliver the Plan for Change to build strong foundations and kick-start economic growth, made possible by the government’s investment unlocked in last month’s Spending Review.

    Five major road schemes in the north and Midlands are confirmed as funded including the M54 to M6 link road in Staffordshire, which will cut journey times and connect thousands to key economic hubs across the Midlands.

    The M60/M62/M66 Simister Island (Greater Manchester), connecting to developments which could support 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 new homes if planning approval granted, has also been confirmed as funded, alongside the A38 Derby Junctions (Derby) which will support 15,400 new homes and A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire, which could support thousands of new jobs and homes, if planning approval is granted.

    The long awaited A66 Northern Trans-Pennine will also be delivered and will cut journey times across the north, support over 10,000 new homes and connect millions across the region as a key national and international economic route.

    The government is also announcing key rail projects across the country, including reinstating a passenger rail line between Bristol city centre and Portishead, which last ran over 60 years ago, delivering 3 brand new train stations, bringing thousands more people closer to a railway and funding a Midlands Rail Hub, creating brand new rail links for more than 50 locations.

    Rail investment outside of London and the South East is long overdue, which is why the government is confirming additional funding right across England and Wales, which will improve access to jobs and leisure and stimulate housing growth in the regions.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

Roads and railways are the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.

With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.

Over 42,000 new jobs and 39,000 new homes are estimated to be supported thanks to the funding committed for major road schemes, helping deliver the government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth, and build 1.5 million more houses over 5 years.

Journey times will be slashed, saving commuters, businesses, and freight thousands of hours every week, and boosting economic growth across the whole country.

These new infrastructure commitments are backed by £92 billion of government funding to invest in more projects across England, including record levels of funding for upgrading our road and rail networks, extending the £3 bus cap, providing £1 billion to enhance the local road network and create a new structures fund.

To support local journeys, the government is also committing support to continue 28 local road schemes vital to connecting and growing communities. These schemes, which include the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot schemes, are not motorways or trunk A-roads, but junctions, bypasses and traffic-easing projects which will improve millions of congested commutes and unlock further housing and jobs.

Of the £92.8 billion, the Chancellor has already announced £10.2 billion for rail enhancements, improving connectivity and unlocking growth in key areas of the UK, which have for too long struggled with unreliable, infrequent services. This also includes £24 billion for motorways, trunk roads and local roads across the country.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

These vital investments are long overdue, will transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.

Investments like these are only possible because we took the right decisions to stabilise our public finances and changed the fiscal rules so we can invest in Britain’s renewal, grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.

In addition, the government is investing a further £27 million to reinstate passenger rail services between Portishead and Bristol city centre. The new hourly services will connect an additional 50,000 people to the rail network and support a significant new housing development.

Two new stations, Wellington and Cullompton, have been given the green light in the south-west of England, unlocking significant new housing developments and providing more chances for people to access Exeter to visit loved ones and benefit from increased leisure, education and employment opportunities. Similarly, a new station at Haxby will now be delivered, bringing an additional 20,000 people within 3 kilometres of the railway, providing easy access to the regional centres of York and Leeds.

The Midlands is also set to see a huge improvement to its rail services. The new Midlands Rail Hub will be the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme to date.  Significant government funding will mean huge numbers of additional trains and extra seats can be added to the rail network in and out of Birmingham every single day. This will support new homes and create greener growth across the Midlands while providing faster, more frequent and brand new rail links for more than 50 locations and creating almost 13,000 construction jobs.

Investment will also benefit existing rail users. The East Coast Main Line, which runs the length of the country, is already benefiting from an increase to capacity and frequency and will also receive new, upgraded digital signalling, boosting capability and resilience of the line, and reducing delays by one third. This rollout will support new digital skills in the rail sector and the creation of 4,800 new roles across the supply chain.

This continued funding for rail schemes up and down the country will open up access to jobs, grow the economy and drive up quality of life as the Plan for Change is delivered.

Logistics UK Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy Jonathan Walker said:

The schemes announced today are significant upgrades to national infrastructure and when complete will make supply chains more resilient and boost trade by keeping goods moving as efficiently as possible.

80% of UK freight travels on roads at some point on its journey to the end user and congestion increases costs and makes journey planning highly unpredictable.

An efficient national logistics network is critical to enable business to drive growth across the whole economy and ensures that the right goods are in the right place at the right time – whether that is a factory, office, hospital or doorstep.

John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, CBI said:

Improving transport connectivity is key to unlocking the productivity gains needed to deliver sustainable growth across the country. When businesses can move people, goods, and services more efficiently, it helps them to reach new markets faster and attract the talent they need to grow. Today’s announcement is a welcome step forward and builds on a strong series of planning reforms aimed at delivering the long-term infrastructure the UK economy needs.

Source: www.gov.uk

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Forecast Predicts Future Building Costs

BCIS reveals five-year construction industry forecast

Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).

New work output is expected to grow by 18% between 2025 and 2030.

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: 

“At the mid-point of the year, the construction sector is still stagnating, with output growth subdued. Confidence continues to be weighed down by a combination of domestic uncertainty and wider global pressures.

“That said, the 27% quarterly rise in new orders we saw in the first quarter, particularly in infrastructure and industrial sectors, offered a welcome indication that demand could be starting to recover.

“How far that optimism carries through will depend heavily on the translation of the government’s Spending Review and 10-year strategies into actual activity. For all the announcements made by the government in the last few weeks, we still don’t have sight of the long-promised updated project pipeline. A greater degree of certainty around funding and delivery timelines remains key to lifting the sector out of its current malaise.”

The BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures the trend of contractors’ pricing levels in accepted tenders, i.e. the cost to client at commit to build, saw annual growth of 2.3% in 2Q2025, the same as was recorded in the first quarter of the year.

On the input costs side, labour remains the main driver of project costs, with increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage feeding into an expected 7.1% annual increase in the BCIS Labour Cost Index in 2Q2025. The index is forecast to increase overall by 16% through to 2Q2030.

Dr Crosthwaite added:

“The risks to this forecast remain on the upside, as skills shortages remain prevalent in the market and continue to impact projects. Similarly with our materials costs forecast, the expected uptick in market activity could put inflationary pressure on the cost of construction materials.”

Materials cost inflation has been moderating since peaking in 2022 and annual growth in the BCIS Materials Cost Index was in negative territory from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024. BCIS expects the index to grow by 13% over the forecast period.

Total new work output fell by 5.1% between 2023 and 2024 and BCIS is predicting subdued growth in new work output throughout 2025. ONS data showed a 0.9% increase in new work output in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4Q2024, and a quarterly increase of 1.7%. The greatest annual increases in 1Q2025 were in public non-housing, which includes education, health and justice projects, and in private industrial.

Dr Crosthwaite said:

“We are expecting more robust output growth from next year and over the rest of the forecast period, much of which will be fuelled by a recovery in housing. Private funding for infrastructure projects will be crucial, especially with the state of public finances putting much public spending at risk.”

For more information about BCIS, please visit www.bcis.co.uk.

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Education Building Boom Boosts Profits

Dundee construction firm Kilmac has announced a record-breaking year, with profits soaring on the back of several major school construction projects.

The company, which became employee-owned in 2022, also saw its workforce grow to an all-time high of 180 staff members in its 21st year of business.

For the financial year ending September 2024, newly-filed accounts show sales increased to £29.9 million from £26.6m in the previous year. Pre-tax profits saw a significant rise to £2.4m, up from £1.7m in 2023.

The firm has been a key contractor in high-profile developments across Tayside and Fife, including the new Perth High School, the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie, and Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

A significant area of growth has been in the energy-efficient Passivhaus sector. Finance director Julie Scobie highlighted the Dunfermline Learning Campus, hailed as the world’s largest Passivhaus educational centre, as a prestigious contract.

“On the back of this and our previous work with Robertson Construction delivering the North Muirton Primary School in Perth, we have established a reputation as Scotland’s leading company in the energy efficient Passivhaus sector.” she said. This expertise has led to securing further groundworks contracts for Passivhaus projects, such as the new Clackmannanshire Council wellbeing hub.

Looking ahead, Kilmac is focused on strategic expansion into the Central Belt, having opened offices in Dunfermline and Livingston to service projects around Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“That has broadened our horizons and we have taken on additional staff to deliver contracts coming in from further afield,” said bid director James Wilson. “This ensures we can continue our plan for growth while becoming less reliant on one operational area.”

Source: Scottish Construction Now

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The UK’s flagship battery manufacturing facility

 

Steel frames in place on Agratas site mark a major milestone in the construction of the UK’s flagship battery manufacturing facility

The first steel frames on the Agratas site near Bridgwater, Somerset are now in place, marking a major milestone in the construction of the UK’s flagship battery manufacturing facility.

It marks the start of the next phase of construction, the vertical build, and is a visible step forward in the delivery of the facility. The steel structure will be erected in phases, with the build beginning at the north of the site.

Steel frames in place on Agratas site mark a major milestone in the construction of the UK’s flagship battery manufacturing facility

It follows significant progress on site in recent weeks: approximately 17,000 piles are now in the ground, forming the solid foundations required to support the scale and ambition of the project. Piling for Building One, which will form the first phase of the facility, will be completed by the end of June. As activity on site continues to ramp up, additional cabins have also been delivered to accommodate the growing construction teams working to bring the facility to life.

Agratas is proud to confirm that 100% of the steel used for the build is sourced from British suppliers, supporting UK manufacturing and demonstrating the company’s commitment to national supply chains.

Earl Wiggins, VP Manufacturing Operations at Agratas said:

‘The construction of the steel frames is a proud moment for everyone involved in this project. It is the start of a new chapter where our vision for a world-leading facility starts to visibly take shape. We remain committed to working closely with the Somerset community throughout the build. This is a facility that will play a huge role in the EV supply chain in the UK, and growth and innovation right here in Somerset will be at its heart.’

This major site milestone comes in the same week the Government published their new Industrial Strategy, to strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector, and support the development and growth of the battery sector, which will drive innovation and support jobs.

Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP said:

‘It’s great to see this milestone reached for Agratas’ gigafactory, which will be vital for Somerset’s economy and shows the huge growth potential for UK battery manufacturing. That’s why our modern Industrial Strategy will turbocharge growth and investment in the industry for the long term, delivering on our Plan for Change.

‘Agratas’ use of 100% UK-made steel for the construction is a welcome win for our steel industry in the run-up to the launch of our Steel Strategy, which will back the sector with up to £2.5 billion of investment.’

Somerset Council’s Leader Bill Revans said:

‘This is a significant milestone for the project and we are pleased to be playing our part in this incredible opportunity to be at the heart of the UK’s green energy industry. Agratas’ investment in the county has the potential to transform the local and regional economy. Together with Hinkley and businesses like Leonardo, it shows that Somerset Council is about supporting exciting, high-tech industry that will make a difference for generations to come.’

Throughout this phase of construction, Agratas is ensuring measures are in place to minimise disruption to residents. This includes the use of quieter, sound-reduced equipment, using electric plant wherever possible, and a firm commitment that no cutting or grinding works will take place on Sundays. The Agratas team will also be sharing updates directly with the community as the build progresses.

Agratas’ Somerset facility is a transformational and nationally significant project that will supply almost half of the batteries needed by the UK’s automotive industry by the early 2030s, creating thousands of jobs and educational opportunities, supporting local businesses both within the construction industry and in its broader supply chain, and delivering significant long-term investment to the region.

 

Source: Energy-Pedia News

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Transforming Dilapidated Railway Arches

 

Architectural practice Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has announced that work has completed on a scheme in Salford, Greater Manchester, that has seen the redevelopment of previously derelict railway arches into new destinations for businesses to occupy.

Triton Construction was appointed as main contractor for the scheme late last year, following a receipt by the Arch Company of planning consent.

Alan Soper, Studio Director at SGP, comments: “We are delighted to see work complete on the transformation of these historical arch structures into spaces for businesses to develop and thrive. Located in a key area of regeneration and renewal within Greater Manchester, The Arch Company’s investment will help to provide new spaces where businesses can thrive.”

As design architect for the scheme SGP has drawn on both its technical expertise and strong track record working with historic buildings to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. The scheme includes new glazed frontages, new services and drainage and internal lining to make the accommodation dry and ready for new businesses to occupy. The design incorporates high-quality materials that have restored an attractive appearance to the elevations on Norton Street, creating a parade of arches that will appeal to a range of businesses.

Working in partnership with SGP, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard provided structural, civil, and MEP engineering services to support the transformation of the arches.

Matt Barron, Associate Structural Engineer at Pick Everard, commented:

“The refurbishment of the arches required a sensitive approach to ensure the integrity of the existing structure was maintained while enabling the modifications required for the project. With careful coordination of the structural interventions within the existing arch structures, our team worked closely with SGP to achieve the architectural design intent for the arch spaces. It’s been a fantastic project to be a part of, and we look forward to seeing these rejuvenated spaces contribute to the benefit of the local area.”

SGP’s design has sought to overcome a number of technical, environmental and planning constraints that are inherent within existing urban infrastructure of this type, as Alan Soper explains:

“By any standards, arches are not a ‘normal’ building type and realising the potential of these spaces takes experience and good technical know-how if we are to refurbish them to modern occupancy standards.”

Norton Street is just one of several projects on which SGP is working with The Arch Company, with a number now on site or completed. In London, work has already been completed on the redevelopment of six vacant railway arches on Witan Street into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use; while on America Street in Southwark, work has completed on the transformation of four dilapidated railway arches into commercial spaces.

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THE ROLE OF DATA & INFORMATION IN CURRENT GLOBAL ENERGY

 

   

Chris Goggin analyses the role and key distinctions between data and information in the current UK and international energy market. The influence of data driven DHW and heating system improvements will be explored, as will the subject of misinformation that is spread across mainstream and alternative media platforms.

 

 

Heating appliance and hot water delivery manufacturers are reliant on two abstract inflections of the same tool of communication – data and information. Both are vital to the UK heating and hot water delivery industry. Without consistent flows of data and information, appliance performance stalls, and UK customers become less aware of cost-effective energies and products.

The first distinction this article will make is the difference between data and information. Data can be used to record performance and judge measurements. Without reliable data and scientifically ratified metrics manufacturing precise technology that provides commercial premises with heating and hot water appliances becomes an impossible task.

Recorded data enables system design upgrading for heating and DHW appliances. Primarily collected data assists system refinement which leads to increases in system efficiency and product life cycle, both of which mean lower customer costs.

Collected data also helps to bring forward better designed systems that do not require as much maintenance as previously designed models. Again, customer costs will be positively affected.

Information regarding energy and appliances can be thought of in two distinct ways: the first way views information in a one-dimensional context. Information is a route for customers to learn about various products, their benefits and what energies best suit said appliance.

Energy policy information is far more malleable in practise. Legislative information can be restructured into a form that compliments a political agenda and subsequently released across multiple friendly media outlets.

This is the main difference between data and information – data is a result of a logical sequence of scientific methodology that provides confirmed results. Data is vital towards upgrading system performance and component optimisation. Without data, system designers, contractors, specifiers, and customers all lose control of project objectives.

Data ensures areas such as hot water consumption can precisely highlight peak usage times and patterns. Correct system sizing will dictate energy consumption and efficiency whilst preventing over and under sizing a DHW system.

Other areas that data collection for DHW systems enhance include seasonal variations, building type and size, component optimisation and energy efficiency. All elements of data recording and reading create a foundation from which improvements and observations can be made meaning the appropriate system can be selected for a specific property.

Information concerning energy is presented and received by a mass audience in a unique way when compared to data. Energy is a focal point in geopolitics and is therefore prone to being used as a tool of ambition by large economies and sometimes as a weapon. The 1973 Iranian oil embargo being one example.

As energy can be weaponised in a state context, media outlets that are sympathetic to energies that benefit the favoured political movement. This is demonstrated across the western world in one simple distinction: proponents of right-wing political ideals prefer fossil fuels, whilst those on the left favour clean alternatives such as renewables.

 Placement of Information on energy policy in selected media can therefore be viewed as partisan and strategic. Where the use of data is concerned with producing tighter operational capabilities, energy policy information is usually aimed towards maintaining or diminishing political support.

Information relating to energy usage has never been so politicised or weaponised. Putin instigated a spike in fossil fuel payments when the invasion of Ukraine began and now Trump’s “drill baby drill,” comment has been almost adopted into American Conservative identity.

Trump’s verbal slogan arrives at a time where public confidence in alternative and renewable energy appears to be declining. Renewable energy has been blamed for the recent blackouts in France, Spain, and Portugal. It is claimed that renewable solar and wind energy fails to connect to the transmission grid in the same way as fossil fuels. There has not been a confirmed cause of this event released by the respective governments.

Consistent UK media and political opposition to renewables that insists that NetZero aims should be reduced due to costs is based on partisan beliefs – not science. Any political organisation that is reliant on attracting votes through energy policy that promises low costs and uninhabited access to energy will be used despite contradictory scientific advice and information.

Gathered data has outlined that global temperatures are rising and are a result of manufactured activities. Rising temperatures create fertile conditions for drought, cyclones, and rising water levels. All events are potentially catastrophic for life on planet Earth. This knowledge has been attained via various disciplines of data recording. NetZero objectives are resultant from scientific observations.

Designers, specifiers, contractors, and installers should consider using manufacturers of heating and hot water systems that aim to provide unbiased energy policy information and reliable data that demonstrate product benefits in costs and performance.

 

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Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of heat pump, solar, hydrogen in any configuration, hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H3 range of products offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions. The range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters.

Rinnai H1 continuous water heaters and boilers offer practical and economic decarbonization delivered through technological innovation in hydrogen and renewable liquid gas ready technology.

Rinnai’s H1 option is centred on hydrogen, as it is anticipated that clean hydrogen fuels will become internationally energy market-relevant in the future; Rinnai water heaters are hydrogen 20% blends ready and include the world’s first 100% hydrogen-ready hot water heating technology.

Rinnai H2 – Decarbonization simplified with renewable gas-ready units, Solar Thermal and Heat Pump Hybrids. Rinnai H2 is designed to introduce a practical and low-cost option which may suit specific sites and enable multiple decarbonisation pathways with the addition of high performance.

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Rinnai’s commercial and domestic continuous flow water heaters offer a limitless supply of instantaneous temperature controlled hot water and all units are designed to align with present and future energy sources. Rinnai condensing water heaters accept either existing fuel or hydrogen gas blends. Rinnai units are also suited for off-grid customers who require LPG and BioLPG or DME.

Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours. Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question. Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.

 

 

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Figures Show April Construction Growth

Construction output in Great Britain grew by 0.9% in April 2025, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This marked the third straight month of growth after a 0.5% rise in March.

Output was up both in new work, which increased by 1.4%, and in repair and maintenance, which went up by 0.3%.

Six out of nine construction sectors saw growth in April.

Infrastructure new work rose by 2.0%, while private housing repair and maintenance was up by 1.5%.

Over the three months to April, total construction output grew 0.5%, with new work up 0.9% and repair and maintenance up 0.1%.

Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at Hampshire Trust Bank, said:

“Another month of growth in private housing is an encouraging sign of resilience in the market.

“Developers are finding ways to move forward despite challenging conditions, but we cannot ignore the biggest hurdle they face: the planning system.

“Painfully long waits for approvals are still holding back delivery of much-needed homes.”

Leitch added: “The government’s recent proposals to streamline the system for SME developers are a welcome signal, and it is positive to see the issues raised by the industry starting to gain traction.

“But we have to be clear-eyed about what this will achieve in practice.

“Without serious and sustained investment in local planning departments, the system simply lacks the capacity to deliver faster outcomes.”

He said: “Policy ambition alone is not enough. Developers are dealing with an unpredictable system where delays can derail project timelines, add cost pressures and affect funding viability.

“Until those practical realities are addressed on the ground, it will remain an uphill battle to get anywhere close to the government’s long-standing ambition of building 300,000 new homes per year.”

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Self Build, a Hard Offer to Turn Down

A Cumbrian couple has built an ‘Ikea-style,’ carbon-negative home from scratch – with the assembly of the structure being complete in a total of just 12 days.

Surrounded by volunteers and helpers, first time self-builders Beki Winter and her partner Alastair Reeves, started work on the frame of their property near Kendal, at the beginning of last month using a system called WikiHouse.

Designed by Manchester-based community-led architects, Architecture Unknown, the impressive family home has been built using cleverly jointed pieces of plywood that essentially fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each section of the design is cut and crafted by Ulverston’s Digital Woodoo CIC and delivered like Ikea-flat pack furniture ready to build.

The construction of this completely bespoke house has taken place across April, with the home now ready for interior fit out.

Pulling in the help of over 20 volunteers, Beki and Alastair, have built a 3-bed home, with 3-bathrooms, a double height kitchen, dining and reception room for their family as part of a co-housing site.

The build is one of the first of its kind in Cumbria. A low-carbon, sustainable and simple solution to construction, WikiHouse allows people to build affordably whilst retaining a high level of quality and finish.

The couple were given the opportunity to build on the Holme House Farm community site in 2023 when they applied to join the community-led company that runs the site and is owned completely by residents.

After selling their property, Beki and Alastair moved their young family to the site in December 2024. They are currently living out of a static caravan, to enable the start of the build.

Beki Winter, who works in community housing, said:

“We never really thought about whether we wanted to do a self-build, but when the offer presents itself it’s hard to turn down. We knew we weren’t going to build in the traditional sense start to finish because we didn’t have the skill set – this is where WikiHouse really appealed. You can get involved without having trade skills.

“It is overwhelming to start with, feels like thousands of jigsaw pieces but then it starts to click into place you start feeling much more confident. Piece by piece you see your home start to take shape.”

Thanking all those who have helped, Beki added:

“Finding volunteers to help with the build has been surprisingly easy. Friends have been keen to lend a hand, and the Architecture Unknown team came with lots of friends. We even had some students from Lancaster University studying architecture came down and help us too.”

 

Charlie, who founded Architecture Unknown with Daniel Kelso in 2016, said:

“Beki and Alastair had a blank canvas and the opportunity to build their dream home. WikiHouse has allowed us to explore what they wanted from design and give them to confidence to take on the physical build themselves. Designing for such a beautiful setting, it feels good to put an eco-friendly, carbon neutral structure in this space – without limiting the spec or compromising on the finish of the build. It will make a remarkable home.”

 

Architecture Unknown are specialists in designing and building using WikiHouse to facilitate client’s ambitions through design and technical knowledge. The team can also provide training for any volunteers and onsite leadership to help during the build process in addition to their typical architectural duties.

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